Told You! Told You!

Well, I was right. I didn't flat out predict that Real Madrid would beat Barcelona, but I alluded to it in my last post describing the three exciting non-league Clasicos over the coming weeks.

The evidence was clear: Jose Mourinho outwitted Pep Guardiola. The Madrid gaffer infused Pepe in a central midfield role higher up the field to cancel out the movements of Xavi. Pepe did the job on Xavi, which stunted Barca's passing game early on, and created a proactive approach for Madrid to deal with the crafty Catalan midfield: pressure them up high when they receive the ball.

The plan also called for balls to be played down the wings to expose Barca's wing-backs and swing in crosses. Cristiano Ronaldo was incorporated as the squads main striker and he did what any good striker does: nodded home when called upon.

All in all, Mourinho's tactic of neutralizing the midfield and banging balls down the flanks paid dividends. Hell, he even let Barca come at Madrid in the second half, as Zonal Marking highlights in a much more comprehensive look at the game.

In the next two Champions League Classicos we will truly see what Pep Guardiola is made of as a coach. Mourinho's got the drop on him now, but can Pep respond with some wily tactics of his own? We'll see.

Oh and I had to add this:



It's been over a decade since Madrid won the Copa del Rey...and now the trophy is smashed to bits thanks to Sergio Ramos and the team bus.

Real Madrid - 2011 Copa del Rey Winners

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Matches 3, 4, and 5

Two Clasicos per year is the standard. Three, a gift. Four and you're wondering if the planets have aligned. But five?! WOW. Usually the two Clasicos pitting Real Madrid against Barcelona are the feature of the La Liga season, but this year, they take a back seat to the next three matches.

The additional three Clasicos this year will establish bragging rights for quite some time. Nothing resonates more than raising your league's domestic cup in the face of your foe and/or  knocking your enemy out of the Champions League. Real Madrid and Barcelona: sh*t just got real.

Copa del Rey Final
Today, 3:30pm EST

Champions League Semifinal - Leg 1
April 27th, 2:45pm EST, Bernabeu

Champions League Semifinal - Leg 2
May 3rd, 2:45pm EST, Camp Nou

Feast your eyes on these three matches, friends, because they will most likely be the best we see all year.

Predictions: Are you crazy?! Who can predict these games? The only thing I will say in lieu of a prediction is that I believe Jose Mourinho is a better coach than Pep Guardiola. Guardiola is pretty good, but I think Mourinho pips him tactically. And the more Mou sees of a team, the higher his team's chances are of winning. That's logical.

Enjoy these football delights!

This Week's Props Go To...

Ronaldo

Arguably the best player of our generation, the famous gap-toothed Brazilian hung up his boots earlier this week. El Fenomeno tearfully withdrew from the game in a press conference on Monday, where he spoke about his illustrious career and unfortunate illness. Sensible Soccer salutes you, Ronaldo, for a glittering career filled with triumph and trophies. 

Jose Mourinho

Undisputedly one of the best managers in the world, Mr. Mourinho celebrates 9 years of being undefeated during home fixtures. This record spans 147 league games with 4 different teams in 4 different leagues. The Special One's last loss at home was on Februray 23, 2002. Wow! 

Ryan Giggs

At age 37, the Welsh Wizard signed a contract extension that keeps him at Old Trafford until the end of next year. Sensible Soccer finds it unbelievable that Giggs can still compete at the highest level at his age. Props to you, Giggsy!

Arsenal

Arsenal deserve all the credit in the world after their hard-fought comeback victory against Barcelona. When push came to shove in the vital Champions League knockout clash, the Gunners shoved hard, shocking the Spanish leaders at the Emirates. I for one, did not foresee this victory. Keep up the good work, lads!

Harry Redknapp

The Tottenham gaffer's tactical approach to the Milan game was nothing short of genius! Unlike the Spurs loose, attacking style in the groups stages, Redknapp had his men strategic in attack - work the flanks and find Peter Crouch's head - and tight in defense. These motives paid dividends, as Tottenham stormed out of Milan with a lead. Check out Zonal Marking's analysis for more tactical information.